APC group backs Emma Enukwu, rejects Ben Nwoye for Deputy National Chairman (South)

An influential bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has declared its support for Emma Enukwu’s bid for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South), while strongly opposing the candidacy of former state party chairman, Ben Nwoye.

The group, operating under the banner of the Enugu APC Progressive Movement, made its position known in separate statements issued in Enugu in March 2026. The statements were jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Mazi Ejimofor Nwoye, and its Women Leader, Ujunwa Isi Okafor.

In its endorsement, the group described Enukwu as a seasoned party administrator whose political experience spans decades, dating back to his involvement with the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

According to the group, this long-standing engagement has equipped him with deep institutional knowledge, grassroots mobilisation skills, and a firm grasp of party dynamics.

They further portrayed Enukwu as a loyal and consistent party stalwart who remained committed to the APC during challenging periods, particularly throughout the 2023 general election cycle. The group noted that while some leaders distanced themselves from the party at critical moments, Enukwu stood firm.

“He was there when it mattered most. That level of commitment is rare and should not be overlooked,” the statement read.

The group also emphasised the strategic importance of the Deputy National Chairman (South) position, noting that it plays a critical role in coordinating party affairs across the southern region and representing Igbo political interests at the national level. It argued that Enukwu’s temperament, experience, and loyalty make him the most suitable candidate for the role.

However, the group’s position on Ben Nwoye was sharply critical. In a separate statement, it accused the former party chairman of misconduct during his tenure, including alleged abuse of office, high-handed leadership style, and mismanagement of funds intended for grassroots mobilisation.

More significantly, the group alleged that Nwoye engaged in anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections, claiming he worked against APC candidates at a crucial time for the party.

“A man who openly worked against this party when it needed him most must not now be entrusted with a sensitive leadership position,” the group stated.

It warned that allowing such a candidate to emerge as Deputy National Chairman (South) would send the wrong message to party members, suggesting that disloyalty and internal sabotage carry no consequences within the APC.

The group also questioned the party’s commitment to discipline and internal accountability, raising concerns about the implications of rewarding individuals accused of undermining the party’s interests.

Concluding its statements, the Enugu APC Progressive Movement called on delegates and members of the party’s National Working Committee to carefully assess the track records of the aspirants. It urged them to prioritise the long-term stability, unity, and credibility of the party over personal alliances or political negotiations.

The group ultimately appealed for a consensus around Emma Enukwu, whom it described as the candidate best positioned to strengthen the APC’s structure and advance its interests across Southern Nigeria.